Perspective

The author tells this complicated story in third person. However, when the reader reflects on the fact that it is a work of nonfiction, he realizes that this work required a great deal of research. The author uses quotes from each of the key people, as well as leaders in Russia, Egypt and Pakistan, to name a few. In this rare instance, the omniscient third person is the author himself.

The action, however, follows the main characters, usually separately. The book opens in the life of Charlie Wilson, gives his background, but, after a few chapters, switches to Gust Avrakotos. It then gives much of Avrakotos's childhood and early career before switching back to Wilson. Usually the switches occur at the beginning of a new chapter. As the action picks up, however, and the paths of the characters cross, the switches happen more quickly.